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Sri Lanka Easter attacks anniversary: How a pregnant Fatima Ibrahim, wife of the ISIS terrorist, blew herself up, killing her 3 children with her, when the police came to search

Anurag
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Sri Lanka Easter attacks anniversary: How a pregnant Fatima Ibrahim, wife of the ISIS terrorist, blew herself up, killing her 3 children with her, when the police came to search

Six years ago, on 21st April 2019, Sri Lanka was shaken by one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in South Asia. Suicide bombers affiliated with Islamist terrorist organisations targeted churches and luxury hotels during Easter services, leading to the deaths of 359 people. More than 500 people were reported injured. The carnage was attributed to the local National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ), a terrorist outfit linked to ISIS. The incident left deep scars on the island nation. One of the most shocking aspects of the attack was that among the bombers was a pregnant woman, Fatima Ibrahim. She was the wife of Ilham Ahmed Ibrahim, one of the bombers at Shangri-La hotel. When the police identified the bomber and reached his home to search at Dematagoda, Fatima blew herself up along with her three children, her unborn child, and three police officers.

A morning of terror – The 2019 Easter bombings that shook Sri Lanka

On the fateful day, Sri Lanka awoke to a coordinated wave of suicide bombings. Six locations were targeted almost simultaneously. The first explosions ripped through St Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo, St Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, and Zion Church in Batticaloa. All the locations were packed with Christian worshippers celebrating Easter mass. Within minutes, three luxury hotels in Colombo — the Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand, and The Kingsbury — were also targeted.

Later that day, two more blasts occurred. The first blast took place in Dehiwala and another during a raid in a residential area in Dematagoda, when authorities closed in on suspected operatives. A total of 359 people were killed, including 45 foreign nationals, and over 500 were injured.

Source: Al Jazeera

The Sri Lankan government identified a local jihadist group, National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ), as being behind the attacks. NTJ was an associated terrorist outfit linked to the Islamic terrorist organisation ISIS. Soon after, the Islamic State’s Amaq News Agency claimed responsibility for the attack. Though the international outfit claimed responsibility, the Sri Lankan and international investigators concluded that while NTJ was ideologically inspired by ISIS, the operational planning appeared largely domestic.

The attacks on multiple locations in Sri Lanka exposed serious intelligence failures. In fact, weeks before the attacks, Indian intelligence services had warned Sri Lanka about the planned suicide attacks. Despite the warnings, no preventive measures were taken by the Sri Lankan authorities. A report was later submitted to a Sri Lankan parliamentary select committee which stated that the “entire intelligence apparatus” had failed to act on multiple warnings. The attacks dealt a serious blow to the fragile post-civil war peace in the island country and highlighted that global jihadist ideologies are capable of finding fertile ground even in far-flung regions. Notably, according to the 2012 census, only 9.7% of the people in Sri Lanka are Muslims, and Christians are even fewer in number. Despite the low population density, the Islamic fundamentalists managed not only to penetrate the intelligence apparatus but to conduct one of the deadliest attacks in Sri Lankan history.

Fatima Ibrahim: the radicalised wife of one of the terrorists

One of the suicide bombers was identified as Fatima Ibrahim. She was the wife of Ilham Ahmed Ibrahim, one of the primary accused and main terrorists who entered the Shangri-La Hotel. They were part of a prominent and affluent Muslim family in Sri Lanka. Her father-in-law, Mohamed Yusuf Ibrahim, was a well-known spice trader and chairman of Ishana Export, a Colombo-based company. The family resided in a luxurious three-storey house in the upscale neighbourhood of Mahawela Gardens in Colombo.

Source: The Hindu Businessline

Following the attack, security forces conducted a raid on the Ibrahim family residence. During the operation, Fatima detonated a suicide vest, which not only blew her up but also killed three children and three police officers. Fatima was pregnant at that time, and the blast killed the unborn child with her.

The news of the Ibrahim family’s involvement in the attacks sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood and the community. Their social standing and lack of prior indications of radicalisation led to disbelief among the neighbours and acquaintances. They noted that the family did not show any outward signs of extremist behaviour.

When motherhood yields to jihad – What drove Fatima to kill?

Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo was one of the primary targets of the attacks. At around 8:57 AM, two suicide bombers, identified as Zahran Hashim and Ilham Ahmed Ibrahim, detonated explosives in the hotel’s Table One restaurant during breakfast service. It resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries among the guests and staff. While Hashim was the alleged leader of NTJ, Ibrahim was Fatima’s husband.

Source: Al Jazeera

Later that day, when security forces conducted a raid on Ibrahim’s residence, Fatima detonated the vest. The act of violence showed how not only Ibrahim was radicalised, but that it extended within the family. It showed that the operational reach of NTJ was far deeper, contributing to the intensity of the attacks. The devastating impact of extremist ideologies is not limited to one person in the family and can often extend to several members of the same family, which increases the challenges faced by the authorities who are trying to prevent such acts of terror.

Fatima’s decision to end her life and those of her children, including the unborn one, highlighted the profound impact of extremist indoctrination. It reflects how radical ideologies can override basic human instincts, including a mother’s natural inclination to protect her offspring. It is a stark reminder of how destructive the power of extremist beliefs can be. It also highlights the importance of early detection and intervention in preventing such radicalisation.

ISIS and its deadly grip – Radicalisation that breeds death over life

The NTJ was behind the Sri Lanka Easter attacks, and was a local Islamist extremist group. The group had previously been involved in acts of religious intolerance, including the vandalism of Buddhist statues. NTJ’s ideology was influenced by Salafi-jihadist teachings, and its leader was Zahran Hashim. Notably, Hashim was known for promoting extremist views.

Source: Al Jazeera

After the attack, ISIS claimed responsibility, though the extent of their direct involvement remained unclear. However, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had praised them in a video released by the group.

The radicalisation process that led to the attacks involved a combination of local grievances and exposure to global jihadist narratives. NTJ’s propaganda highlighted perceived injustices against Muslims worldwide, including events in Myanmar and the Middle East. The group’s messaging aimed to foster a sense of victimhood and urgency among its followers. They encouraged them to take violent actions.

Unfortunately, well-educated and well-off individuals fell for the propaganda, which underscores the complexity of the radicalisation process and how the appeal of extremist ideologies can reach deep into communities irrespective of their social status. In response to the attacks, NTJ was banned by the Sri Lankan authorities. Several other extremist organisations were also banned. The government implemented emergency regulations to enhance security measures. Furthermore, Sri Lanka re-evaluated its counter-terrorism strategies and highlighted the need for improved intelligence sharing and community engagement so that such incidents could be avoided in the future.

The psychological machinery of radical Islamism

The radicalisation process that led to the 2019 bombings in Sri Lanka involved a complex interplay of psychological, social, and ideological factors. It is essential to understand these elements to comprehend how individuals from seemingly stable backgrounds can commit acts of extreme violence.

Quest for significance and identity

According to psychologist Arie Kruglanski’s “3N” model — Need, Narrative, and Network — these are the three key elements that offer insight into the radicalisation process. The model suggests that individuals experience a need for personal significance that can be fulfilled by adopting a compelling narrative and being part of a supportive network.

In the context of the Sri Lankan bombings, some of the individuals involved in the attack might have perceived their Muslim identity as being under threat, which was eventually the aim of the terror outfit. This made them vulnerable to extremist narratives that promised empowerment and purpose. NTJ propagated a Salafi-jihadist ideology that framed global events as a war against Islam. Their messaging could have resonated with individuals seeking meaning, especially when coupled with perceived social and political marginalisation.

Radical groups often feed their followers with a false sense of being targeted and marginalised. This victimhood penetrates deeper into their psychological behaviour which, in many cases, leads to such incidents.

Role of social networks

Radicalisation often occurs within close-knit groups where extremist beliefs are reinforced. In the Sri Lankan bombing case, several perpetrators were related or had close associations. This suggests that familial and social networks played a role in their radicalisation. Their close-knit group or network created an echo chamber that amplified extremist ideologies without raising red flags to those around them.

Psychological manipulation and indoctrination

The aim of extremist groups is to employ psychological tactics in such a way that the individuals following them become desensitised to violence and come to believe it is their duty to cause harm to others. This process can involve isolating them from alternative viewpoints, reinforcing a binary worldview, and glorifying martyrdom. Such extremist views can lead individuals to commit acts that contradict basic human instincts, including self-preservation and parental care.

Accountability and governance

In January 2023, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ruled that former President Maithripala Sirisena, along with top security officials, failed to prevent the 2019 attacks despite prior intelligence warnings. The court ordered Sirisena to pay 100 million Sri Lankan rupees in compensation to the victims’ families.

Cardinals conclave to be called after 9-days mourning period for Pope Francis to elect the next Pope, four Indian Cardinals will participate

ANI
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Cardinals conclave to be called after 9-days mourning period for Pope Francis to elect the next Pope, four Indian Cardinals will participate

Following the death of the Pope, the Vatican will enter a nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale, an ancient Roman tradition that continues to this day. During this time, preparations will begin for the election of the next Pontiff. After the mourning period, the Cardinals will be called into Conclave to elect the next Vicar of Christ.

Among the 135 cardinals currently eligible to vote in the Papal conclave, four are from India. These include Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Cardinal Anthony Poola, and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad.

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad (51), Cardinal-Deacon of S. Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia, and Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. Cardinal Filipe Neri Antonio Sebastiao do Rosario Ferrao (72), Metropolitan Archbishop of Goa and Daman (India), President of Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and President of Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. Cardinal Anthony Poola (63), Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad (India). Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal, Major Archbishop of Trivandrum of the Syro-Malankara (India) and President of the Synod of the Syro-Malankara Church.

As of April 19, there are 252 cardinals, out of whom 135 are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope.

The colour of the smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney serves as a traditional signal during the papal conclave. Black smoke means the cardinals have not yet selected a new Pope, while white smoke indicates that a new Pope has been elected.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron mourned the death of Pope Francis. In a post on X, he wrote, “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. May it unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope continually revive beyond him. My wife and I send our thoughts to all Catholics and to the grieving world.”

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, also shared a post on X and wrote, “Europe mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe. ‘The People’s Pope’ will be remembered for his love for life, hope for peace, compassion for equality & social justice. May he rest in peace.”

The Pope passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, according to a statement from the Vatican.

At 9:45 AM on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the Casa Santa Marta. “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013, a papal conclave elected Cardinal Bergoglio as his successor on March 13. He chose Francis as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Rahul Gandhi spreads fake news in US that more people voted in Maharashtra elections than total adults there, claims ‘something very wrong with the system’: Here’s the truth

Shraddha Pandey
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Rahul Gandhi spreads fake news in US that more people voted in Maharashtra elections than total adults there, claims ‘something very wrong with the system’: Here’s the truth

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi is on a two-day visit to the United States. The Congress leader started his US visit with his usual tactic of hiding his own incompetence by pinning the blame on the ‘system’. While addressing the Indian diaspora at a meeting in Boston, Gandhi claimed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is ‘compromised’.

Implying that the electoral process was manipulated to favour the Bhartiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti Alliance in Maharashtra elections, the Congress scion alleged that something is “very wrong with the system.”

Citing the example of the Maharashtra elections, Rahul Gandhi claimed that there was an addition of 65 lakh voters to the voter turnout in two hours, which was impossible.

“It is very clear to us that the Election Commission is compromised, and it is very clear that there is something wrong with the system. I have said this multiple times…More people voted in the Maharashtra Assembly elections than there are adults in Maharashtra. The Election Commission gave us a voting figure for 5:30 PM and between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM, 65 lakh voters voted. This is physically impossible. For a voter to vote, it takes approx 3 minutes, and if you do the Math, it would mean that there were lines of voters till 2 AM, but this did not happen…When we asked them for the videography, they not only refused but they also changed the law so that now we are not allowed to ask for the videography…” Gandhi said.

Meanwhile, the BJP launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi over his allegations on Indian democratic systems, and the party’s spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “Rahul Gandhi is a serial offender. He has taken SUPARI against Indian institutions. Every time he’s on foreign soil, in BJP Virodh he undertakes Badnami of Bharat. If he wins an election, ECI is fine. If he wins a court case, judiciary is fine. Otherwise, he will abuse and insult Indian institutions. First, he says I will fight Indian state and now he is doing Badnami of Bharat.”

Notably, the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition had won 235 out of 288 seats in the last assembly elections in Maharashtra giving a major setback to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the coalition of Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena (UBT).

It seems like the historic victory of the BJP-led alliance in Maharashtra shattering all expectations of the MVA, has dealt a massive blow to the Congress party. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s desperate attempts at pushing the same old ‘Democracy in danger’ narrative reflects the same. However, since the Congress leader decided to attack India’s electoral process and questioned the integrity of the Indian Election Commission on foreign soil, it is important to bust his lies about the alleged discrepancies in the 2024 Maharashtra elections.

Rahul Gandhi peddling already debunked falsehoods on foreign soil

In November 2024, right after the BJP-led alliance registered a historic win in the Maharashtra assembly elections, the opposition parties and their supportive ecosystem started the usual ‘EVM hack’ rant instead of gracefully accepting the public’s mandate. The leftist propaganda portal TheWire had spearheaded this mendacious ‘Hum haare nahin hain, humein haraya gaya hai’ campaign, to cast aspersions on the integrity of the Election Commission and fairness of the electoral process. TheWire had claimed that 5,04,313 additional votes were cast during the Maharashtra state elections.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Maharashtra had debunked these lies. He stated that TheWire report had included 5,38,225 postal ballots in the votes counted, which was not part of the votes polled data released by CEO Maharashtra. It highlighted that 6,40,88,195 votes were cast in all 288 Assembly seats through EVMs, which has been “mischievously” displayed as the overall number of votes cast.

“The fact is that 5,38,225 valid postal ballots were not added in this figure. When we add the 5,38,225 valid postal ballots to the 6,40,88,195 votes polled through EVMs; the total votes polled come out to be 6,46,26,420. The total votes counted on the day of the counting including postal ballots is 6,45,92,508. Hence, the total votes counted are not more than the total votes polled,” the ECI official said.

CEO Maharashtra also explained why, in certain Constituencies, fewer votes were counted than those required by the established procedure and clarified, “The EVM counting is not taken up if Mock Poll Data was not cleared from the Control Unit of the Polling Station before actual start of Poll or if there is non-display of result in the display panel of Control Unit or there was mismatch in data reported in Form 17C and votes recorded in EVM due to clerical or typing human error. In such cases, as the winning margin was higher than the total votes polled in these Polling Stations, counting of VVPAT Slips of these Polling Stations was not done as per instructions contained in Para No.7(iv)(b) of ECIs letter dated 19.07.2023.”

Further explaining the voting percentage math, CEO Maharashtra had said, “In the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections, the Voting percentage at 5 pm was 58.22% (approximate) and the final voting percentage was 66.05%. This is normal as voting continues even after 6 pm, till the last person who stood at the queue at 6 pm votes. Even in 2019, the percentages were 54.43% (approximate) at 5 pm and 61.10% at the final. Many voters come in the evening in urban and semi-urban areas, which constitute a large chunk in Maharashtra.  It is important to note that two-hourly voter turnout information on the day of poll upto 5 pm is based on oral telephonic communication only. On the other hand,  Form-17C which is given at the ‘Close of Poll’ to polling agents, matches with the final percentage and votes counted. Information in Form-17 C is matched by the Candidate’s counting agents while counting.”

Notably, the opposition parties and journalist-turned-YouTuber propagandists had widely used the lies peddled by TheWire in its report to question the Election Commission’s integrity and to push the narrative that the BJP’s victory was the product of some sort of rigging in their favour. In addition, Rahul Gandhi had in February this year claimed that over 7 million voters were suspiciously added between the Lok Sabha elections and the state assembly elections.

It is interesting to note that just days back, the election commission refuted the accusations of irregularities in Maharashtra’s electoral roll published in January this year. Hardly any first or second appeals were made under Section 24 of the Representation of People Act, or correction of any entries in Electoral Rolls (Section 22) or Inclusion (Section 23) during the recent Special Summary Revision published on January 6-7, 2025. The Special Summary Revision (SSR) involves reviewing the voter list and unveiling a draft electoral roll. It is often held prior to elections and aims to uphold a just and transparent voting process by adding newly eligible voters, including those who have reached the age of 18 or have changed their constituency. It also involves the elimination of duplicate and deceased voters.

The ECI said that only 89 appeals for changes with the district election office and only one with the chief electoral office were filed against 9.7 crore registered voters.

The ECI asserted that this negligible number contradicts the claims made by opposition parties in parliament’s winter session.

“We received 89 first appeals that were cleared at the district level, and only one second appeal came up to the chief electoral office in Maharashtra,” TOI quoted an ECI official as saying.

It all started after LoP Rahul Gandhi sought a discussion in the Lok Sabha, alleging addition of over 30 lakh voters between 2019 and 2024 in Maharashtra and duplication of the elector photo identity card (EPIC) numbers. The ECI earlier stated that duplication of EPIC numbers does not essentially reflect duplicate or fake voters. The commission had also released data on the total electors and the booth-level agents from political parties in the country.

Despite the Election Commission of India refuting the lies and propaganda of the opposition parties casting aspersion on electoral integrity, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has the audacity to travel abroad and shamelessly peddle lies to tarnish the image of India’s functioning democracy.

Rahul Gandhi and his track record of maligning India’s image on foreign soil

This, however, is not the first time that Rahul Gandhi has visited a foreign nation to give a positive representation of India, rather, to seek foreign intervention in India’s internal affairs, attack political adversaries, cry ‘democracy in danger’, meet people linked to anti-India and anti-Hindu entities, and secretly meet Chinese officials at a time when India was engaged in conflict with the country. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have also been toeing the narrative fueled by known Modi detractor and regime change specialist George Soros. Back in June 2023, during his 10-day US tour, Rahul Gandhi was seen with Sunita Vishwanath, the co-founder of a US-based and Soros-linked anti-Hindu organisation, which is ironically called “Hindus for Human Rights”  in a picture of a talk shared by the Hudson Institute.

From signing MoU with China’s community party to hobnobbing with organisations peddling the Islamist narrative, to mirroring the anti-Modi agenda so much so that it almost mimics the stand of the government of Pakistan, Congress has been virtually knocking the doors of the West to help them gain power from the hands of India’s democratically elected government.

In April 2021, speaking at Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics, Gandhi insisted that the US government establishment should ‘say more’ about ‘what is happening in India’. In 2022, at the ‘Ideas for India’ conference in the United Kingdom, Rahul Gandhi had sought foreign intervention again. During his controversial address, Rahul Gandhi signaled his desire for foreign intervention two times.

Not to forget how in 2023, Rahul Gandhi traveled abroad to Cambridge University to paint a fake grim picture of India, alleging democracy under attack of a so-called ‘dictatorship’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

OpIndia has time and again reported how Rahul Gandhi has over the years been repeatedly demanding foreign intervention in India’s internal affairs during his visits to the US, UK and other countries.

By peddling the ‘ECI compromised’ lies, Gandhi once again is shifting the blame from his party’s failures and evade accountability as a party leader. Gandhi’s audacity to question ECI’s integrity based on already debunked lies is a blatant attempt at undermining public trust, both within the country and abroad, in India’s electoral system. If Congress was actually serious about its ‘ECI compromised’ allegations, it would have boycotted elections or provided solid evidence, not debunked lies peddled by leftist propagandists. Apparently, Rahul Gandhi wants to send out a message to foreign powers that somehow just because Congress and its allies could not win elections in one state or overthrow the BJP-led NDA in Lok Sabha elections, India’s democratic framework is crumbling and its time the foreign powers intervene to do what Congress motormouth Mani Shankar Aiyar once said: “Unhe hataiye humein laiye” (remove them, bring us).

Congress keeps the caste pot boiling: Siddaramaiah vows to pass ‘Rohith Vemula Act’ even after Telangana closure report confirmed Vemula was not a Dalit at all

OpIndia Staff
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Congress keeps the caste pot boiling: Siddaramaiah vows to pass ‘Rohith Vemula Act’ even after Telangana closure report confirmed Vemula was not a Dalit at all

On 19th April, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to inform him that he had instructed his legal team to start drafting the “Rohith Vemula Act.” The legislation is intended to eliminate “caste-based discrimination” in educational institutions. Reflecting the usual pettiness of Congress’s political tactics, the party seems disinclined to let the conversation about the caste of the PhD scholar from the University of Hyderabad, who committed suicide on 17th January 2016, die down only to exploit the caste divide for electoral gain.

More importantly, the Telangana Police presented a closure report regarding the case to the Telangana High Court, on 3rd May of last year. It emphasized that he did not belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category and that he died by suicide, fearing the exposure of his true caste identity. The authorities also exonerated former Secunderabad MP and current governor of Haryana Bandaru Dattatreya, Legislative Council Member N Ramachander Rao, former Vice Chancellor Appa Rao, ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) leaders and former Union Minister Smriti Irani.

The recent announcement followed Siddaramaiah’s statement in which he reaffirmed his government’s intention to pass the law as soon as possible on 18th April after Rae Bareli Lok Sabha MP asked the Karnataka government to introduce the act, stating that caste discrimination in education must end. “I too, deeply share your sentiments, we must join hands to bring the Dalits, Adivasis and Backward classes into the mainstream. That the oppressed classes must no more face any discrimination in our educational system. My government and I are committed to ensuring an egalitarian and equal society,” he claimed in the letter.

In a 16th April letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Rahul Gandhi urged the state government to pass the “Rohith Vemula Act” to guarantee that no one is subjected to caste-based discrimination in the educational system. The development transpired after he recently met with students and teachers of the Dalit, Adivasi and OBC communities in Parliament and was allegedly informed that caste discrimination is pervasive in higher education.

“I knew I was an untouchable, and that untouchables were subjected to certain indignities and discriminations. For instance, I knew that in school I could not sit in the midst of my classmates according to my rank, but that I was to sit in a corner by myself,” the Gandhi scion wrote, quoting from Dr BR Ambedkar’s memoir.

“Ambedkar demonstrated that education is the primary means by which even the most deprived can become empowered and break the caste system. But it is very unfortunate that even after decades, lakhs of students are facing caste discrimination in our education system. This discrimination has taken the lives of promising students like Rohith Vemula, Payal Tadvi and Darshan Solanki,” he added.

“The reference in your letter dated 16th April 2025, to the incident faced by Dr BR Ambedkar, as narrated by him is indeed a sad reality even to this day. No child or adult must face the shame and stigma faced by Babasaheb,” Siddaramaiah remarked. As expected, the two leaders brought up Dr. BR Ambedkar and the discrimination he endured to resonate with public emotions while conveniently overlooking the fact that, unlike Ambedkar, Rohith Vemula was not identified as an SC, according to the police under Congress party’s government.

Telangana Police exposed the truth

“There is no evidence of any fact or circumstance available on the record which dragged him to commit suicide and no one is responsible for his death,” the closure report on Rohith Vemula’s death case pointed out.

It further conveyed that he took his life because “he had his own problems and was not happy with worldly affairs. If he would have been angry with the decision of the University, certainly either he would have written in specific words or would have indicated in this regard. But he did not do the same. It shows that the circumstances prevailing in the university at the time were not the reason for Rohith’s death.”

The closure report stated that Rohith Vemula obtained the SC certificate from his mother and was “aware that he does not belong to the Scheduled Caste.” It mentioned that he might have been always apprehensive since he could have lost his academic degrees and possibly been prosecuted if the truth had ever come to light.

Additionally, in his report, retired Justice Ashok Kumar Roopanwal, who looked into the circumstances at the University of Hyderabad that resulted in student Rohith Vemula’s suicide, noted that “the suicide did not relate to any activities of the university administration or the above political leaders, including the vice-chancellor, Prof. Appa Rao Podile.” He made the decision entirely on his own.

No end to caste politics

On the same day that the Telangana police revealed the circumstances surrounding Rohith Vemula’s death, the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) Ravi Gupta declared their intention to pursue additional investigations into the case. “As some doubts have been expressed by the mother and others of the deceased, Rohith Vemula, on the investigation conducted, it has been decided to conduct further investigation into the case. A petition will be filed in the court concerned requesting the Hon’ble Magistrate to permit further investigation into the case,” he informed.

He had previously stated that the case’s final report was completed in 2018 and was delivered to the jurisdictional court on 21st March 2024. “It is to state that the investigation officer in the case was Assistant Commissioner of Police, Madhapur and the final closure report in the case was prepared last year i.e. before November 2023 itself, based on the investigation conducted,” he stated.  

It was evidently an effort to continue stirring the contentious issue of caste politics, a strategy that the Congress party has frequently resorted to in their pursuit of power since being removed from the central government and facing significant defeats in various states at the hands of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Ecosystem echoes same lies

Yogendra Yadav, a veteran propagandist and part-time political figure, took to social media to make similar accusations in an attempt to further capitalize on Rohith Vemula’s death and perpetuate disinformation crafted by the opposition parties to criticize the BJP-led central government.

“My birth is a fatal accident – these words of Rohith Vemula represent not just an individual agony, but the structural reality of caste discrimination in our educational institutions. If universities are centres of knowledge, reason and freedom, why was Rohith Vemula forced to get tired of his identity politics? Where are the roots of this injustice? What are these forces that fear the idea of ​​equality in society and institutionalise the politics of division? This question must be answered in honour of Rohith’s memory,” he shared online.

He chose to ignore the facts and instead spread propaganda, a move that underscores the desperation felt by Leftists after Narendra Modi’s third consecutive return as the prime minister of the country. After an official investigation concluded that there was no evidence of caste discrimination and that Rohith Vemula ended his life for personal reasons, he effectively associated the incident to issues of injustice, societal inequality and the institutionalization of divisive politics, which were not pertinent to the actual case but rather more reflective of their agenda.

Congress and its divisive agenda

On 5th April of last year, the Congress party provoked significant backlash by seeking to divide the nation along caste lines in its Lok Sabha election manifesto. This narrative has been persistently highlighted by senior party figures, especially Rahul Gandhi, both domestically and internationally. Congress committed to carrying out a nationwide caste census to assess the socio-economic status of various sub-castes as well as pledged to incorporate fishing communities into the caste census.

The party notably sought to impose the “Rohit Vemula Act” throughout the nation if it secured power at the centre. “We will enact the Rohith Vemula Act to address discrimination faced by students belonging to the backward and oppressed communities in educational institutions,” the manifesto read. “Congress will conduct a nation-wide Socio-Economicand Caste Census to enumerate the castes and sub-castes and their socio-economic conditions. Based on the data, we will strengthen the agenda for affirmative action,” it outlined.

Congress even declared its intention to raise the reservation cap from the current 50%, as stipulated by the Supreme Court of India, a promise that party leaders have consistently reiterated. It also vowed to enhance the distribution of public works contracts to members of the Scheduled Castes (SCs)/Scheduled Tribes (STs) community. Moreover, Congress pledged to implement a law that would provide reservations for SC/ST and OBC (Other Backward Class) groups in private educational institutions.

Drawing inspiration from American politics, the grand old party even committed to creating a Diversity Commission” to enhance diversity in both education and employment sectors, both public and private.

The caste reality

According to Rohith Vemula’s father Mani Kumar, he and his spouse are not Mala of Madigas (SC/ST) but rather members of the Veddera caste. The statement was in contradiction to the reports that his mother Radhika Vemula, belongs to a Dalit community (SC or ST) and he opted to identify with her caste after the couple separated.

His father emphasised that Rohith Vemula was murdered and criticized leftist groups for exploiting his son’s death to launch attacks against the Modi administration. Moreover, his mother alleged that she was born into a Mala caste (SC) family but was raised by a Veddera family.

In 2017, the Andhra Pradesh government was reported to have canceled Rohith Vemula’s scheduled caste certificate, asserting that he was actually a member of the Other Backward Classes (OBC). The government contended that the SC certificate had been acquired through “fraudulent” means.

Conclusion

It is apparent that the opposition parties headed by the Congress have politicized the death of Rohith Vemula to fracture the nation along caste divisions, prioritizing their electoral advantage over the pursuit of justice or addressing discrimination faced by any community. His death spurred opposition political parties and liberals to raise concerns about caste discrimination only to craft a narrative that implicated the Modi government in the oppression of lower caste groups. This was in stark contrast to his suicide note, which expressed his discontent with the Students Federation of India (SFI).

“The PM gave a speech where he expressed grief and agony over the death of the scholar. People say he even had tears. I would ask him, if you are saddened, if your tears are real, then act against the VC who crushed and intimated that boy and sack him. The nation’s poor and Dalit are looking up at Modi seeking answers, will he take action,” Rahul Gandhi commented at the time.

Rahul Gandhi, along with several other opposition leaders, persisted in promoting the narrative that a “Dalit” student faced oppression and was forced into suicide, asserting that the truth was being suppressed. “They say Rohith Vemula committed suicide. I call it murder. He was murdered by the indignities he suffered. He was killed because he was a Dalit. Hitler, once wrote: Keep a firm grasp on reality, so you can strangle it at any time. This is what is happening today-strangulation of reality,” the parliamentarian remarked in 2017.

No one awaited the official report, as they were little interest in uncovering the truth and rather they opportunistically aimed to leverage the tragic incident for their own advantage. The opposition has been doing the same to this day. Rohith Vemula’s death was unscrupulously manipulated into a political issue dividing Dalits and Non-Dalits for the sake of votes. Their hope did not materialize, as the falsehoods were revealed by their own administration. Yet, the truth has never been a priority for Congress and other opposition parties who continue to push the same agenda for votes.

Karni Sena president Vinay Singh found dead in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur, bullet injury, gun in left hand: What we know so far

OpIndia Staff
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Karni Sena president Vinay Singh found dead in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur, bullet injury, gun in left hand: What we know so far

On 20th April, Jharkhand’s Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena president, Vinay Kumar Singh, was found dead in the Baliguma locality near the Mini Punjab Hotel in Jamshedpur. The 46-year-old Singh had a bullet wound to his head and a country-made pistol in his left hand when the body was discovered. Notably, he was reported missing by his family on 19th April. Police recovered the body using mobile location tracking.

According to the police, Singh left his home on 19th April and was untraceable throughout the day. The distress led to a missing person complaint, eventually leading the police to the crime scene. His motorcycle was also recovered from the scene. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bachan Deo Kujur, said that the matter is under investigation.

Murder on highway while returning home

Media reports suggest that Singh was returning home with a few associates when unidentified gunmen opened fire near a hotel along National Highway-33. The attack resulted in his immediate death. A manhunt has been launched by the police to apprehend the culprits. The police are examining CCTV footage and call records.

Apart from the gunshot wound, there were several injury marks on his hands and legs. Eyewitnesses stated that after police reached the spot, the body was kept on the road for around two hours as no ambulance was available.

The news of Singh’s death quickly spread across Jamshedpur and neighbouring areas. Karni Sena supporters rushed to the crime scene. The delay in ambulance arrival fuelled anger among his supporters present at the scene, who protested against the police. They also prevented the body from being moved without proper arrangements.

The protests continued till late into the night. The supporters demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits. Eventually, at around midnight, an ambulance arrived and the body was shifted to MGM Hospital. During that time, traffic came to a complete standstill on NH-33 due to the massive congestion caused by the protesters. At around 1 am, the Rural Superintendent of Police arrived at the site and assured the supporters that there would be swift action in the matter, after which the blockade was lifted.

Billa Pathak connection under scanner

Media reports have indicated that Singh had recently got close to Govindpur-based gangster Billa Pathak, which might have possibly triggered the attack. It is being suspected that the rivals of the Mashooq Manish group might be behind the murder. Notably, Singh had been under surveillance for over a month, and he was reportedly aware of it. However, whether the rival gang is involved remains under investigation.

SIT formed, Karni Sena threatens shutdown

Police have classified the incident as a planned assassination and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate all possible angles. Leaders from Karni Sena have issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits. They said that if police failed to apprehend the culprits within 48 hours, it would result in a state-wide Jharkhand bandh and intensified protests.

Police have not issued any statement confirming the motive behind the murder. Several angles, including political enmity and personal rivalries, are being probed.

US: Former law firm partner of pro-Khalistani Harmeet Dhillon dogwhistles against Indian-orign FBI special agent for arresting terrorist

OpIndia Staff
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US: Former law firm partner of pro-Khalistani Harmeet Dhillon dogwhistles against Indian-orign FBI special agent for arresting terrorist

On Saturday (19th April), the former law firm partner of pro-Khalistani Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general in charge of civil rights in the US Department of Justice, was seen dog-whistling against an Indian-origin FBI special agent.

The development came two days after the FBI field office in Sacramento arrested a terrorist named Harpeet Singh, who was responsible for carrying out attacks in the Punjab State of India.

“Linked to two international terrorist groups, he entered the U.S. illegally and used burner phones to evade capture,” tweeted FBI Sacramento on Thursday (17th April).

John-Paul S Deol is a partner at Dhillon Law Group Inc., which was founded by pro-Khalistani Harmeet Dhillon in 2006. Dhillon left the firm in 2025 after being appointed the assistant attorney general in charge of civil rights in the US Department of Justice by Donald Trump.

Deol, the now ex-partner of Harmeet Dhillon, was seen dog-whistling against Indian-origin Siddhartha Patel, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Sacramento Field Office.

Given that the particular FBI office had arrested a Khalistani terrorist (Harpeet Singh in this case), Deol was insinuating that it must be the handiwork of an Indian-origin FBI agent supposedly working for Indian interests against Khalistani cause.

Screengrab of the now-deleted tweet of John-Paul S Deol

“Accha? (Okay),” he tweeted alongside a picture of Patel. Deol thus shrewdly painted a target on the head of the Indian-origin FBI agent by unleashing pro-Khalistani extremists on his way.

After being called out for his dog-whistling (here and here), the former partner of Harmeet Dhillon quietly deleted his tweet.

Deol later tried to rationalise his actions by claiming that FBI Sacramento itself has posted about its special agent.


Screengrab of the tweet of John-Paul S Deol

“Someone, quick, advise the FBI that they posted the name and picture of their Special Agent in Charge and that it’s been out there for a year,” he tweeted.

Appointment of Harmeet Dhillon in Trump 2.0 cabinet

Harmeet K. Dhillon had long been accused of being a terror sympathiser and harbouring Khalistani sentiments—an extremist ideology that uses violence as a tool to push its objectives and calls for the secession of the Punjab state from India and the establishment of an independent Sikh-majority Khalistan.

Nothing corroborates her pro-Khalistan bent more starkly than her stance on the Khalistani Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing.

In March 2024, she quoted The Economist report on how Indian migrants were helping PM Narendra Modi in campaigning at home and lobbying for India abroad.

Quoting the report, Dhillon repeated the baseless accusations that the Indian government is assassinating critics in the diaspora.

Maharashtra: Wadala Police stop Ram Navami procession, detain 30, Hindus say permission was repeatedly denied

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: Wadala Police stop Ram Navami procession, detain 30, Hindus say permission was repeatedly denied

On 20th April, a tense standoff occurred between Hindus and the Wadala police over a Ram Navami procession. The situation escalated and there were allegations of the police using excessive force. Around 30 attendees of the procession were detained by the police. However, later the procession was allowed to proceed. The incident occurred as the Hindu organisations had reportedly tried to take out the procession even after permission was denied by the police.

The procession was organised by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and its associated organisations. It began from Shri Bhole Mandir and proceeded to Hanuman Tekdi Mandir in Wadala. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mohit Garg stated that there was permission for the procession to be taken out on 6th April, the day of Ram Navami. However, no fresh approval was granted to the Hindu groups for the 20th April procession.

Despite the lack of permission, Hindu activists gathered in large numbers and tried to take out the procession, leading to police intervention. While the organisers accused the police of using a lathi-charge against them, the police denied the allegations.

‘Permission was denied at the last minute’

VHP activists stated that the rally had been planned well in advance and that they had sought formal permission via proper channels. However, they said that clearance was withheld at the eleventh hour without proper justification, which led to hundreds of Hindu activists gathering regardless.

Several videos of the incident went viral on social media, where Hindu activists were seen getting into a minor scuffle with the police who had come to stop the procession. At least six Hindu activists were reportedly injured.

Slogans, arrests and a sit-in

As the procession was stopped by the police, around a thousand Hindus gathered outside the Wadala police station and raised slogans of “Jai Shri Ram”. They demanded the release of detained attendees, as at least 30 of them were taken into custody for attempting to carry out the procession without approval. Among the detained were local leaders and activists of Hindu organisations like VHP and Bajrang Dal.

The sit-in protest continued for over an hour. They recited the Hanuman Chalisa and refused to disperse until their demands were heard. Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha intervened and arrived at the police station to mediate.

Procession later allowed to proceed

After hours of negotiations, permission was granted to resume the procession. Over 1,000 Hindu devotees took part and the procession moved under heavy security without any further disruptions. Additional police force was deployed in Wadala to ensure peace.

Over 67,000 Pakistanis may miss Hajj this year due to delays and mismanagement, PKR 36 billion collected from pilgrims stuck in Saudi Arabia

ANI
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Over 67,000 Pakistanis may miss Hajj this year due to delays and mismanagement, PKR 36 billion collected from pilgrims stuck in Saudi Arabia

Around 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims may miss the Hajj this year due to delays and mismanagement by private tour operators, ARY News reported, citing sources.

According to sources, the crisis has also left PKR 36 billion, collected from pilgrims, stuck in Saudi Arabia, with the Saudi government reportedly refusing refunds and instead offering to adjust the funds for next year’s pilgrimage.

According to ARY News, the delay in approving Pakistan’s Hajj Policy 2025 prevented private operators from submitting applications on time. However, the funds were transferred to Saudi Arabia, and insufficient time and failure to coordinate timely arrangements with Saudi authorities led to incomplete preparations.

Further, the sources noted that the lack of prompt communication and coordination with the Saudi government further exacerbated the issues.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs reported that some private companies obtained court injunctions, which stalled the allocation of the private Hajj quota. As a result, only 23,620 pilgrims will be able to perform Hajj 2025 under the private scheme, a significant drop from the usual 90,000 Pakistanis who undertake the pilgrimage annually through private operators.

Notably, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued guidelines regarding the Private Hajj Scheme 2025, urging all approved Hajj operators to ensure visa issuance by April 18, as per ARY News.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has asked that private Hajj operators submit copies of their service agreements in accordance with the newly allocated quota. The ministry has also published an updated list of authorised operators on its official website and the Pak Hajj mobile app.

Pilgrims can now check the status of their applications and the services offered by operators through these platforms. To ensure a smooth experience, private pilgrims are advised to use the Pak Hajj 2025 mobile app for real-time updates and service tracking.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

While Rahul Gandhi called IUML ‘secular’, the offshoot of Jinnah’s Muslim League calls itself “a political entity dedicated to safeguarding Muslim rights” in petition challenging Waqf Act

OpIndia Staff
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While Rahul Gandhi called IUML ‘secular’, the offshoot of Jinnah’s Muslim League calls itself “a political entity dedicated to safeguarding Muslim rights” in petition challenging Waqf Act

The enactment of the Waqf Act by the Parliament has stirred up countrywide protests by Muslims who are calling the Act a violation of and intrusion into their religious rights. A slew of petitions have been filed by various Muslim organisations and political parties before the Supreme Court challenging the Act. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), popularly known as the Muslim League, is also one of the petitioners before the Apex Court. Notably, the IUML was also the principal petitioner in the Supreme Court among the writ petitions contesting the CAA.

writDownload

On page 3 of the writ petition, the first paragraph of the synopsis states, “The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a political entity dedicated to safeguarding Muslim rights, files this Public Interest Litigation under Article 32 to challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 (the “2025 Act”), as an unconstitutional assault on the religious autonomy and personal rights of the Muslim community in India”.

Moreover, on page 22 of the writ petition, it is mentioned, “Petitioner No.1 (IUML) has among its objectives to strive to preserve and promote and honour the religious and cultural identity of Muslims and other minorities and backwards communities of India, enriching national life and strengthening its secular and democratic foundations.”

When Rahul Gandhi called the IUML a “completely secular party”

Interestingly, the IUML, which Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once boasted of as a ‘secular party’, has described itself as “a political entity dedicated to safeguarding Muslim rights” in its petition filed before the Supreme Court. During his visit to the US in June 2023, an interviewer asked Gandhi why Congress was in alliance with a Muslim party (IUML) in Kerala when it opposes the ‘Hindu’ BJP. “You talked about secularism and democracy while opposing the Hindu party BJP, however, the Congress in Kerala has been in alliance with the Muslim party, the Muslim League in Kerala, the state from which you were an MP,” the interviewer asked. Responding to the question, Gandhi asserted that the Muslim League (IUML) was “a completely secular party”. “Muslim League is a completely secular party, there is nothing non-secular about the Muslim League. I think the person has not studied the Muslim League, “Gandhi said.

Pertinently, the IUML, which is an offshoot of the Muslim League that played a significant role in the partition of India, has links with Jammat-e-Islami and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), both accused by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) of spreading radicalism in Kerala, Rahul Gandhi had called the IUML a ‘secular’ party.

The IUML and its “secular” identity

The IUML, which claims to have come into existence after 1948, is an offshoot of the All India Muslim League (AIML), a party founded by Pakistan’s founder and Islamist leader Mohammad Ali Jinnah. After partition, the AIML was succeeded by the Muslim League in Pakistan and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in India. It is a known fact that the Muslim League openly demanded the establishment of a separate nation for Muslims, and their demand was fulfilled with the creation of Pakistan.

The formation of the IUML was a part of the plan to keep the spirit of the AIML alive. It is evident from the fact that the first president of the IUML, Muhammad Ismail, actively participated in the partition movement of the country and was an ardent supporter of the creation of Pakistan. Besides, Ismail, who on one hand claimed that the IUML was a secular outfit, supported the retention of Sharia law for Indian Muslims in the Constituent Assembly after independence. Not just that, Ismail went to bargain with the Congress to “recognise the League as the sole representative of Muslims” on the lines of Jinnah’s claim that AIML was the sole representative of the Muslims in undivided India.

The IUML is known for flaring up communal incidents in the state of Kerala. As per the report of the Justice Thomas P Joseph Commission, which was set up to investigate the 2003 Marad massacre in Kerala, the IUML was found involved in the planning as well as the execution of the brutal violence. The report had declared the massacre as “a clear communal conspiracy, with Muslim fundamentalist and terrorist organisations involved”. In 2017, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed an FIR in connection with the Marad massacre, naming IUML leaders P.P. Moideen Koya and Moyeen Haji as accused of funding, conspiring and executing the riots

Clearly, in light of these facts, the claim of Rahul Gandhi, whose great-grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru had rejected Jinnah’s offer to form a coalition government with the Muslim League, that the IUML is a secular party does not hold water.

Madhya Pradesh: Doctor and Red Cross worker terminated for assaulting and dragging out 77-year-old man from Chattarpur Hospital, Superintendent suspended

OpIndia Staff
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Madhya Pradesh: Doctor and Red Cross worker terminated for assaulting and dragging out 77-year-old man from Chattarpur Hospital, Superintendent suspended

After a video of a 77-year-old man being assaulted and dragged out of a govt hospital in Madhya Pradesh went viral on social media, the authorities have sacked two persons involved in the incident and suspended the superintendent of the hospital. The Public Health and Medical Education Department of Madhya Pradesh said that the services of Dr Rajesh Kumar Mishra have been terminated with immediate effect by the Mission Director, National Health Mission, while the services of Redcross worker Raghvendra Khare have been terminated by Indian Red Cross Society, District Chhatarpur (MP).

Additionally, Dr. G.L. Ahirwar, Civil Surgeon cum Chief Hospital Superintendent of the Chhatarpur District Hospital, has been suspended by the department. Orthopedic Specialist Dr Rajesh Kumar Mishra was employed with National Health Mission and posted as Contract Post Graduate Medical Officer at the hospital.

In the incident caught on cameras, 77-year-old Udhavlal Joshi was seen dragged out of the hospital by Dr Rajesh Mishra and Redcross worker Raghvendra Khare for allegedly jumping queue. The incident took place at around 11.30 AM on Thursday, when Joshi had arrived at the hospital along with his wife for her treatment.

As per reports, due to large number of patients, Joshi had to wait for a long time, and then requested Dr Joshi, who was attending to OPD patients at that time, to examine his wife sooner. This led to an argument, which led to the man being dragged out by the doctor and the worker.

Defending the assault, Dr Mishra alleged that the man had misbehaved with him and used curse words for him for the delay. He also claimed that the Joshi had slapped him.

On the other hand, Joshi denied jumping the queue. He said that had waited in the queue with a valid slip but was assaulted by the doctor when his turn came. However, Dr. GL Ahirwar, civil surgeon and superintendent of the hospital, claimed that Joshi had broken the queue.

Joshi later lodged an FIR against the duo. Dr. GL Ahirwar had said that action will be taken against the two for the assault, and termination proceedings will be initiated.

The termination order issued by the National Health Mission said that the act of Dr Mishra misbehaving with and assaulting Joshi was probed by authorities, and the allegations was found to be true. After that, a show cause notice was issued to the doctor. However, the reply to the notice was not acceptable.

After considering the reply to the notice, the video on social media, and the report submitted by the investigation committee, it was confirmed that Dr Rajesh Mishra assaulted elderly couple. The order states that the acts of the doctor falls in the category of misconduct as per provisions given in clause number 11.1 of the Human Resource Manual 2025 of the National Health Mission. Therefore, his service has been terminated with immediate effect.

Similarly, the order issued by the Indian Red Cross Society states the response of Raghavendra Khare to the show cause notice was not satisfactory. On the basis of the report of the investigation committee, he has been terminated from the job. They added that the act by Raghavendra Khare is extremely objectionable and unforgivable.

The state health dept has suspended hospital superintendent Dr. G.L. Ahirwar, saying that the incident shows that he does not have control over his sub-ordinates. The order states that Dr. Ahirwar proved incapable of discharging the responsibilities of Civil Surgeon cum Chief Hospital Superintendent, and therefore he is suspended with immediate effect under Rule 9 (1) of Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Classification Control and Appeal) Rules, 1966.

During the period of suspension, Dr. Ahirwar will be placed under the Chief Medical and Health Officer, District Balaghat.

Talking about the incident, SP Agam Jain said that proceedings have begun against the doctor and the Red Cross worker, and a case has been registered under BNS sections 115(2), 296(3) and 351.

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